maker

Described as "The Greatest Show-and-Tell on Earth," the ever-fascinating Mini Maker Faire returns to the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum's expansive grounds on Saturday, August 27 from 10am-6pm, and Sunday, August 28 from 11am-5pm.

The event, part science fair, part county fair, part interactive show-and-tell, and part something entirely new, is a multi-generational gathering that brings together tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, authors, artists, students, and commercial exhibitors. All of these "Makers" come to the Albuquerque Mini Maker Faire to show what they have made and to share what they have learned.

Maker Faire features hands-on activities, learning opportunities and the chance for visitors to learn new skills such as soldering, sewing, rocket building and welding.The Mini Maker Faire is a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity and resourcefulness, and a celebration of the Maker movement. It's a place where people show what they are making, and share what they are learning.

Typical maker activities include engineering-oriented pursuits such as electronics, robotics, 3-D printing, and the use of CNC tools, as well as more traditional activities such as metalworking, woodworking, textiles and the artisanal arts. Makers take a do-it-yourself approach to standardized hobbyist and engineering technologies, and encourage the re-use and modification of designs, materials, and techniques available in the public arena. Makers focus on learning, using and teaching these practical skills.

Makers use circuit boards, wood, clay, fabric, LEDs, metal, plastic, robotics, yarn, sewing machines, computers, hot glue guns, paint, batteries, fire, electricity, recyclables-frankly, just about anything you can imagine-to create exciting new things. The aim of this Faire is to entertain, inform, connect and inspire a new group of Makers.

Please join us for a day that offers a fascinating peek into the creative mind and inspires creativity in all of us.

Tickets begin at $10 for adults, $5 for seniors, military with ID and children under 12; children 2 and under are admitted at no charge. Two-day passes are $15 for adults and $8 for seniors, military with ID and children under 12. Tickets are now available online at eventbrite.com/e/albuquerque-mini-maker-faire-2016-tickets-26041071546?aff=efbevent. All online ticket purchases will also in include a small processing fee.